asked the Minister of Supply what steps have been taken to implement the trade barter agreement with the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and, in particular, with regard to the timber to be brought to this country?

Steps have already been taken to charter steamers to convey timber to this country. Six cargoes of timber under the Agreement have already arrived. Rubber and tin equivalent to the amount so far due has been provided for the Soviet authorities.

Will the Minister make sure that all ships leave the White Sea before the port becomes ice-bound?

The fact that the White Sea becomes ice-bound after a particular date in November was very present in my mind during the whole of these negotiations. I have signed charters for some 29 vessels.

Lieut.-Colonel Sir A. Lambert Ward:

Can the Minister tell us to what country these vessels belong?

I cannot say without notice, but a number of them are British.